What Shipped
Exciting developments are underway in the blockchain space as we close out November 2025. One of the standout stories comes from the Stellar Network, a blockchain known for fast and affordable cross-border payments. A major U.S. bank is currently testing the issuance of custom stablecoins on Stellar. Stablecoins are digital currencies designed to maintain a stable value, often pegged to traditional money like the U.S. dollar. This pilot project aims to explore how banks can leverage blockchain technology to create their own digital currencies securely and efficiently.
Stellar also recently launched a significant protocol upgrade called Stellar X-Ray, Protocol 25. This upgrade improves the network’s performance and security, making transactions smoother and more reliable for users and developers building on the platform.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin continues to dominate headlines with its price reaching over $91,400, showing nearly a 1% increase in the last 24 hours. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, also saw a modest gain, trading just above $3,000. Other notable tokens like Ripple (XRP) and Stellar Lumens (XLM) are experiencing positive price movements, reflecting growing interest and activity in these networks.
Why It Matters
The testing of custom stablecoins by a U.S. bank on the Stellar Network is a big deal because it represents a bridge between traditional finance and blockchain technology. Banks issuing their own stablecoins could streamline payments, reduce costs, and increase transparency. This is especially important for international transactions, which can be slow and expensive using conventional methods.
Stellar’s protocol upgrade shows the network’s commitment to innovation and staying competitive. By improving speed and security, Stellar is positioning itself as a go-to platform for businesses and developers who want reliable and scalable blockchain solutions.
Bitcoin’s steady price increase and growing institutional interest, such as the news that Bitcoin ETFs are now BlackRock’s top revenue source, highlight the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance. ETFs, or Exchange Traded Funds, allow investors to buy shares that track the price of Bitcoin without needing to hold the cryptocurrency directly, making it easier and safer for many people to invest.
Builders’ Corner
- Stellar Network: Developers should explore the new Protocol 25 upgrade, which introduces improved transaction processing and enhanced security features. This upgrade will help build more efficient decentralized applications (dApps) and financial tools.
- Ripple and Stellar: Both networks continue to focus on cross-border payments. Ripple’s XRP and Stellar’s XLM tokens are gaining traction due to their fast transaction times and low fees, making them attractive for global remittances.
- Hedera Hashgraph and Flare Network: While these networks saw a slight dip in prices recently, their unique technologies—Hedera’s fast, energy-efficient consensus and Flare’s smart contract capabilities on the XRP ledger—offer interesting opportunities for innovation.
- XDC Network: Known for enterprise blockchain solutions, XDC continues to develop tools for trade finance and supply chain management, areas ripe for blockchain disruption.
For developers and investors alike, this is an exciting time to watch how these networks evolve and integrate with real-world financial systems.
Quick Prices
- Bitcoin (BTC): $91,438 (+0.96% in 24h)
- Ethereum (ETH): $3,010.92 (+0.28% in 24h)
- Ripple (XRP): $2.20 (+0.57% in 24h)
- Stellar (XLM): $0.2529 (+0.34% in 24h)
- Flare Networks (FLR): $0.0151 (-0.43% in 24h)
- Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR): $0.1431 (-0.41% in 24h)
- XDC Crowd Sale (XDC): $0.0534 (+0.06% in 24h)
What to Watch
Keep an eye on the U.S. bank’s stablecoin pilot on Stellar. If successful, this could pave the way for more banks to issue their own digital currencies, potentially revolutionizing how money moves across borders.
Watch how the Stellar Protocol 25 upgrade impacts user experience and developer activity. Upgrades like this often lead to new applications and partnerships.
Bitcoin ETFs gaining traction, especially with major firms like BlackRock reporting significant revenue from them, suggests growing mainstream trust in Bitcoin. This could lead to more investment products, making crypto more accessible.
Finally, stay informed about Ripple and Stellar’s ongoing efforts to improve cross-border payments. These projects aim to make sending money internationally faster and cheaper, which could benefit millions of people worldwide.
TL;DR: A U.S. bank is testing custom stablecoins on the Stellar Network, signaling a strong link between traditional finance and blockchain. Stellar’s recent protocol upgrade boosts network performance. Bitcoin and Ethereum prices are steady, with Bitcoin ETFs becoming a major revenue source for BlackRock. Ripple and Stellar continue to innovate in cross-border payments, while developers should watch these networks for new opportunities. Overall, blockchain technology is making exciting strides toward mainstream adoption and practical use.
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